Tunneling machine having stepper type advancing means



Oct. 11, 1960 c. w. KANDLE TUNNELING MACHINE HAVING STEPPER TYPE ADVANCING MEANS Filed May 5, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 r VUHNHHY I l l lHHHHI INVENTOR. CHARLES m mun/.5

BY and W4 SM/ ATTORNEYS Oct. 11, '1960 c. w. KANDLE 2,955,808

TUNNELING MACHINE HAVING STEPPER TYPE ADVANCING MEANS Filed May s, 1958 2 Sheets-Shae t 2 21 was til-2L5 23 18 I I {U54 1L1 54, 2,5 351 50 3 FIG. 5 23 INVENTOR. 3 54 53 4 CHARLES w KANDLE 1 25 4 BY W V A M a 5M ATTORNEYS 2,955,808 TUNNELING MACHINE HAVING STEPPER TYPE ADVANCING MEANS Charles W. Kandle, La Grange Park, in. (1845 S; 55th Ave., Chicago 50, 111.)

Filed May 5, 1958, Ser. No. 733,041

4 Claims. (Cl. 2627) This invention relates to an independently movable tunneling machine. More specifically, the invention pertains to a machine for boring relatively large holes in the earth, such as beneath roadways, in mines and the like.

. The apparatus of the invention is mounted on ski-like members, wheels, or other structure allowing a relatively free movement on the ground, and is provided with a unique and novel means to drive the same through the tunnel as it is cut. The cutting face of the machine is followed by a tapered spiral auger which feeds the spoil to the rear of the machine. The tapered spiral auger is surrounded by a likewise tapered funnel which not only helps prevent collapse of the newly formed tunnel portion, but also allows workmen to approach closely to the cutting face for installation of casing and the like.

The method performed by the machine, with the assistance of an operator, contemplates applying forces to the formed tunnel wall to propel the machine forward.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a side elevation of a tunneling machine constructed in accordance with the invention, and showing the forward propelling means connected to the base of the tunnel being cut, with parts broken away and sectioned;

Fig. 2 is a horizontal section of the machine taken on line 22 of Fig. l with parts broken away and the funnel removed for clarity;

Fig. 3 is a vertical section of the machine taken on line 33 of Fig. 1 with parts broken away and the funnel removed for clarity;

Fig. 4 is an end elevation taken from the cutting end of the machine, and showing the cutting head, funnel and front funnel support;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary side elevation of the propelling apparatus, showing the anchor; and

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 showing another form of propelling means.

As shown in the drawings, the apparatus is adapted to bore a relatively large tunnel having a circular wall 1, and an uncut vertical face 2. The machine is shown as mounted on and supported by a frame comprising a pair of spaced longitudinally extending inverted T runners 3 which are adapted for sliding follow-up movement along the bore of the tunnel. The front ends of rurners 3 are curved upwardly at 4 to facilitate forward movement thereof. A plurality of cross brace members 5 extend between and are secured to the inner flanges of runners 3 to give the machine base longitudinal and transverse stability.

A relatively large table-like member 6 is disposed adjacent the rear end portion of the machine and is supported by a plurality of legs 7 extending upwardly from runners 3'. Table 6 provides support for a large motor 8 of suit- States Patent able horsepower and type. Motor 8 is secured at its rearward end to a bracket 9, the latter being mounted on table 6. The forward end of motor 8 is provided with the usual rotor shaft (not shown) which is connected to a gear box 10 of any suitable type which provides a suitable output ratio for the rotation of an ouptut shaft 11. A square bracket 12 provides support for gear box 10' and consequently for the forward end portion of motor 8.

Shaft 11 forms the input member for a slip clutch 13' which is constantly in engaged position but which provides slipping action under unusually heavy loads to prevent motor fatigue. The rotary output of clutch 13 extends forwardly and comprises a tubular member 14 having a hexagonally shaped passage therethrough, the latter lockingly receiving the rearward end of a hexagonal longitudinally extending cutter drive shaft 15. Shaft 15 is prevented from rotary motion relative to member 14 by the hex shape, and is releasably locked within member 14 by a pin 16.

Shaft 15 extends to the front end of the machine, andslightly beyond the terminus of runners 3. A spiral auger or flight 17 is disposed on or integral with drive shaft 15 and extends from a point just forward of tube 14 to a point closely adjacent the outer end of shaft 15. Auger 17 is tapered longitudinally so that the maximum diameter thereof increases a substantial amount as the front end of the machine is approached. The largest diameter of anger 17 approaches the diameter of the tunnel it is desired to cut.

If desired, a small lead screw 18 may be suitably fixed on the forward end of shaft 15 to provide a gradual cutting start. As best shown in Figs. 1 and 4, a disc-like cutter 19 of large diameter is fixedly mounted on shaft 15 just behind screw 18. Cutter 19 is shown as being the type having a pair of substantially diametrically opposed segmental openings 20. The two leading edges of cutter 19 adjacent openings 29 are provided with rows of suitable cutter teeth 21 which may be formed integral with cuter 19 or may be added members mounted thereon. As cutter 19 is rotatably driven by drive shaft 15 and motor 8, teeth 21 bore into the tunnel face 2. A plurality of wing cutters 22 of a type such as those disclosed in my copending application, Serial No. 670,275, filed July 5, 1957, now Patent No. 2,912,228, and entitled Drill Head For Wing Cutters, are secured to the outer circumference of cutter disc 19, for purposes to be described hereinafter.

As the machine moves along in the tunnel, teeth 21 and cutters 22 bore into wall 2, and the spoil is directed back through openings 26 into auger 17. To miantain the spoil in contact with the auger, and for other purposes to The front end of funnel 23 is fixedly supported by an areuate strap 24 disposed therebeneath and joined to runners 3 by legs 25. A channel-like tunnel brace is secured to the top forward end of funnel 23 and comprises a pair of longitudinally spaced parallel plates 26 which are curved to conform to the curvature of the tunnel. A curved brace plate 27 is secured to the top edges of plates 26 and extends therebetween. A suitable door 28 is provided in funnel 23 to facilitate access to auger 17, if necessary. A metal plate 29 is welded or otherwise secured to the top outer surface of funnel 23 and adjacent the rear end thereof, and extends longitudinally rearwardly and At the rear, funnel 23 is provided with a circular opening or throat with a diameter of about one half that of the front opening. As the spoil moves back via auger 17, it .is gradually moved radially toward the axis of drive shaft 15, and finally falls .out the rear end of funnel 23, where it is'collected on a Conveyor belt 30 and moved rearwardly thereby to a dump truck or the like, not shown.

The drive for belt 30 is independent of motor 8 and is shown as comprising a suitable pneumatic motor 31 connected by a suitable chain 32 and sprockets to drive a shaft 33 disposed to rotate in suitable end bearings 34,

secured in brackets 35 upstanding from runners 3. A

large conveyor roller 36 is keyed or otherwise secured for rotation'with shaft 33 and carries one end of belt 30.

The other end of belt 30 is mounted on a freely rotatable roller 37 mounted in end bearings 38, each of the latter being secured in a longitudinally movable slide member or plate 39. The horizontal upper and lower edges of each plate 39 arecontoured to ride on separate upper and lower tracks 40 and 41, which are secured together at their forward ends by a transverse channel beam 42. The rear end portions of tracks 40 and 41 are secured to front legs 7. An adjustment rod 43 is secured to each slide plate 39 and extends rearwardly through the respective front leg 7 where it is threadably tightened by nuts 44. Adjustment of nuts 44 provides a sliding adjustment of plates 39 and roller 37 to thereby adjust the tension of belt 30.

Energization of motor 31 will drive belt 30 to convey spoil dropped thereon from the throat of funnel 23 to the rear of the machine.

The propelling mechanism for the entire apparatus utilizes a novel concept involving the walls or floor of the tunnel itself. This mechanism comprises a reversible motor 45 of pneumatic or other suitable type which is secured to one of the runners 3 and which has a forwardly extending drive shaft 46 secured for rotation at its front end in a bearing member 47, also mounted on the same 7 runner. Shaft 46 is drivingly connected through a suitable chain 48 and sprockets to the rear end portion of a lead or feed screw 49. Screw 49 extends longitudinally from approximately beneath gear box to adjacent strap 24, and is centered between runners 3 and. between a pair of enclosing outwardly facing longitudinal channel members 50 mounted on cross braces 5. a The ends of members 50 are joined by suitable bearings 51 which receive feed screw 49. Screw 49 is fixed in relation to the longitudinal position of cutter 19.

To utilize the driving :force of screw 49, a plurality of nuts 52 are threaded thereon and maintained in alignment by the webs of channels 50. A large horizontally disposed propelling plate 53 is bolted or otherwise secured to nuts 52 and is adapted toride just above runners 3.

tions extend rearwardly and contact the ground. Motors 8 and 31 are actuated by the necessary and usual means to commence rotation of cutter 19, auger 17 and belt 30. Motor 45 is then similarly actuated to rotate feed screw 49 so that plate 53 tends to be driven in a rearward direction relative to the screw. This rearward movement will be braked by notches 57 being driven into the earth.

.. Subsequently, since plate 53 cannot move rearwardly any further, the entire machine is driven on nuts 52 and slides forwardly on runners 3, driving cutter 19 horizontally into the earth.

As the apparatus moves into the earth, it creates a tunnel, the spoil from which is conveyed to the rear of the machine. When the forward movement is such that plate 53 is finally disposed at the rear end of feed screw 49, motor 45 is stopped, members 54 are rotated out of anchoring engagement with the earth and plate 53 again screwed forwardly, and members 54 again moved into anchor position for further boring.

If desired, brake members 54 may be replaced by a fixed obstruction placed in the tunnel. 6, a plurality of separate anchor stakes 58 may be driven into the tunnel floor just behind contact plate 53 when the latter is in its most forward position. Actuation of feed screw 49 will drive plate'53 rearwardly against stakes 58, and since plate 53 will subsequently be prevented from further movement, the remainder of the machine will be driven forwardly on nuts 52.

Stability of forward movement of the machine is enhanced by a pair of bracing arms 59 extending outwardly from each side of the machine to adjacent the tunnel wall. Each arm 59 is shown as being secured at its inner end .between a pair of guides 60 which extend between vertically spaced horizontal plates 61, the latter being secured at their inner edges to a vertical brace 62 which in turn is secured to table 6. The inner end of each arm 59 is locked against release from guides 60 by a pair of pins 63 which pass vertically through plates 61 and the arm.

secured at their outer edges to a curved contact plate 66.

As the machines moves forwardly, any tendency to move in other than a straight line will be prevented by plates 66 which will engage wall 1 if the machine deviates from the longitudinal.

The machine is self-contained, except for energizing connections to the motors, and follows along the tunnel bored to the end, with no need to add additional lengths of cutters or to cut from the opposite end.

Wing cutters 22 enlarge the face 2 beyond the circumferential edge of cutter 19 so that runners 3 may be disposed outside the maximum diameter of funnel 23 and will not be forced to ride upwardly on an incline.

mounted in a pair of bearing members 56 secured to the plate. If desired, brake members 54 could be rotatably mounted on shaft 55 and the latter could be fixedly mounted ,to plate 53.

Each member 54 is shown as being provided with a notch 57 at each end thereof, and the length of the member is such that either of the notched ends may be selectively positioned to extend below the lower surface of runners 3, and thus anchored into the ground.

Full operation of the machine will now be described.

The apparatus is brought up to the face of the earth where it is desired to bore a tunnel. Feed screw 49 is driven to position plate 53 at the front end of the machine, and then brakes 54 are rotated so that the lower end por- It is possible to bore an average tunnel at the rate of 56 feet per minute with the present method and machine, a feat heretofore believed diflicult to accomplish. A horsepower ratio of about 16 to 1 between motor 8 and motor 45 has been found adequate to drive the cutters at about 36 rpm. and move the machine forward at the desired speed.

At the relatively high boring speed possible with the machine, dangerous throwing of spoil by the auger, and vibrations tending to cause collapse of the front end of the tunnel could normally be encountered. The use.

of funnel 23 substantially alleviates these problems.

The funnel fully encloses auger 17, thereby preventing any spoil from being thrown about. The brace plate 27 is disposed about equidistant from shaft 15 at the ends of cutters 22 so that plate 27 contacts and directly supports the tunnel roof closely adjacent face 2. Plate 27 is designed to slide forwardly along the roof during cutting. In addition, the large front end of the funnel closely As shown in Fig.

approaches the tunnel wall 1, and thus prevents any large amount of earth from collapsing from the roof adjacent the area of maximum vibration. As the diameter of funnel 23 decreases, so does the vibration and the danger of collapse.

If any earth should fall from the tunnel roof, the tapered or conical shape of funnel 23 permits easy access by workmen who can climb up on or beneath the funnel and remove the material rearwardly. At the same time, funnel 2.3 protects the workment from the sharp auger. Furthermore, the taper facilitates access to brake members 54 and permits installation of tunnel casing and the like closely adjacent cutter 19. Workmen may even safely walk along beside the cutter and auger during cutting.

The method performed in connection with the operation of the machine utilizes the wall 1 of the tunnel to provide the forces for boring into the face 2.

The invention assures the least amount of tunnel collapse in the areas where the danger of collapse is the greatest.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

I claim:

1. A tunneling apparatus for boring a horizontal opening in the earth, comprising, a frame, a rotatable power source mounted on said frame, a longitudinal drive member secured to said power source for rotation therewith, a cutter secured adjacent the forward end of said drive member, an anger on said drive member and extending rearwardly from adjacent said cutter means to adjacent said power source, the diameter of said auger approximating the diameter of said cutter adjacent the latter and decreasing rearwardly so that said auger presents a generally tapered appearance, a conical funnel mounted on said frame and closely surrounding said auger, said conical funnel having a rearwardly tapering closed wall which corresponds to the taper of said auger and having a rear throat of relatively small diameter for discharge of cut spoil into the tunnel, the conical shape of said funnel providing maximum protection against tunnel wall collapse adjacent the tunnel portion subject to maximum vibration due to cutting, a rotatable feed screw supported by said frame and extending longitudinally beneath said funnel, an anchor member threadedly connected to said feed screw beneath said funnel with said anchor member being constructed for fixed connection to the bored tunnel wall behind said cutter, the shape of said funnel providing accessbility to said anchor member when the apparatus is within the bored tunnel, and power means for rotating said feed screw so that said frame will be driven forward on said anchor member when the anchor member is anchored in the tunnel wall and said cutter will be driven into the tunnel face and said auger will carry spoil the full length of the said funnel.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said anchor means comprises, a transversely extending horizontal propelling plate mounted for longitudinal movement on said frame, a nut mounted on the said feed screw and connecting the screw with said plate, a shaft extending transversely of said plate, and a brake member mounted on each end of said shaft, said brake member being rotatable about the axis of said shaft for engagement with the tunnel wall and of a length to be driven into the tunnel wall when the said power means rotates said feed screw.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said frame in cludes a plurality of longitudinally extending runners disposed beneath the said funnel and extending rearwardly thereof for slideable engagement with the tunnel floor; a leg member extending upwardly from the forward portion of each runner, an arcuate strap connected between the legs for supporting the forward end of said funnel, and a brace extending between the said power source and the discharge portion of said funnel for supporting the rearward end of the funnel.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the forward end of the said funnel is disposed slightly behind the said cutter and is slightly smaller in diameter than the diameter of said cutter, and a curved brace plate mounted on top of the forward end portion of said funnel with said brace plate reaching a maximum extent approaching the diameter of said cutter so that as the funnel and cutter are fed forwardly by said screw rotating means, said brace plate will support the tunnel roof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 307,379 Craven Oct. 28, 1884 504,179 Stanley Aug. 29, 1893 1,326,480 Dana Dec. 30, 1919 1,501,093 Blower July 15, 1924 2,384,397 Ramsay Sept. 4, 1945 2,625,376 Smith Jan. 13, 1953 

